====== zhùmíng: 著名 - Famous, Well-Known, Renowned ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** zhùmíng, 著名, how to say famous in Chinese, renowned in Chinese, well-known, celebrated, distinguished, famous vs popular in Chinese, HSK 4 vocabulary, Chinese adjectives.
  * **Summary:** Learn how to use **著名 (zhùmíng)**, the Chinese word for "famous" or "renowned." More than just being popular, **著名** implies a high level of respect, achievement, and lasting significance. It's used to describe distinguished people like a **著名作家 (zhùmíng zuòjiā)** (famous author), important places like the Great Wall, and respected institutions. This guide will teach you the difference between **著名** and its common synonym **有名 (yǒumíng)**, helping you speak more accurately and respectfully.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zhù míng
  * **Part of Speech:** Adjective
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 4
  * **Concise Definition:** Describing someone or something as widely known for a significant and positive achievement or quality.
  * **In a Nutshell:** Think of **著名 (zhùmíng)** as "famous with respect." It isn't used for fleeting internet fame or simple popularity. Instead, it's reserved for people, places, and things that have earned a distinguished and lasting reputation through excellence. It carries a sense of admiration and historical or cultural importance. If "famous" is a general term, **著名** is closer to the more formal English words "renowned," "celebrated," or "eminent."
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **著 (zhù):** While this character has many meanings, in this context it means "significant," "prominent," or "to manifest." It points to something that is clearly visible and stands out.
  * **名 (míng):** This character simply means "name" or "reputation."
  * The two characters combine to mean a "prominent name" or a "manifest reputation"—a name that is widely known and acknowledged for its significance.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Western culture, "fame" can be a broad and sometimes frivolous concept. A person can be "famous for being famous," gaining celebrity status through reality TV or social media antics without any notable skill or contribution.
The Chinese concept of **著名 (zhùmíng)** is much narrower and more culturally significant. It is tied to the values of achievement, contribution, and enduring respect. To be **著名** is not just to be known, but to be known //for something worthwhile//—a great work of art, a scientific breakthrough, a lifetime of skilled performance, or historical importance. It implies that the person or thing has brought honor and value to the community or nation.
Therefore, while you might call a viral TikTok creator "famous" in English, you would almost never use **著名** to describe them in Chinese. You would use the more neutral term **有名 (yǒumíng)**. **著名** is reserved for figures and landmarks that have stood the test of time and earned a place of honor in the collective consciousness.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**著名** is a formal adjective, most often found in written language, news reports, academic texts, formal introductions, and documentaries. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use **有名 (yǒumíng)**.
  * **Describing People:** Used for individuals with long, respected careers and significant contributions.
    * `著名科学家 (zhùmíng kēxuéjiā)` - renowned scientist
    * `著名作家 (zhùmíng zuòjiā)` - famous author
    * `著名导演 (zhùmíng dǎoyǎn)` - acclaimed director
  * **Describing Places & Institutions:** Used for places of historical, cultural, or academic importance.
    * `著名景点 (zhùmíng jǐngdiǎn)` - famous scenic spot (like the Forbidden City)
    * `著名大学 (zhùmíng dàxué)` - famous university (like Peking University)
  * **Describing Works & Brands:** Used for classic works of art or brands with a long history of excellence.
    * `著名作品 (zhùmíng zuòpǐn)` - a famous work (of art/literature)
    * `著名品牌 (zhùmíng pǐnpái)` - a renowned brand
The connotation is overwhelmingly positive and respectful.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 莫言是一位非常**著名**的中国作家。
    * Pinyin: Mò Yán shì yī wèi fēicháng **zhùmíng** de Zhōngguó zuòjiā.
    * English: Mo Yan is a very famous Chinese author.
    * Analysis: Here, **著名** is appropriate because Mo Yan is a Nobel Prize laureate, signifying a high level of achievement and international recognition.
  * **Example 2:**
    * 长城是世界上最**著名**的建筑之一。
    * Pinyin: Chángchéng shì shìjiè shàng zuì **zhùmíng** de jiànzhù zhīyī.
    * English: The Great Wall is one of the most famous structures in the world.
    * Analysis: **著名** is used for landmarks of immense historical and cultural significance like the Great Wall.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 这所大学以其**著名**的法学院而闻名。
    * Pinyin: Zhè suǒ dàxué yǐ qí **zhùmíng** de fǎxuéyuàn ér wénmíng.
    * English: This university is known for its renowned law school.
    * Analysis: The sentence uses **著名** to describe a specific faculty that has a distinguished reputation for excellence.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 他画的《蒙娜丽莎》是全世界都**著名**的名画。
    * Pinyin: Tā huà de "Měngnà Lìshā" shì quán shìjiè dōu **zhùmíng** de mínghuà.
    * English: His painting, the "Mona Lisa," is a famous painting renowned throughout the world.
    * Analysis: This example shows **著名** used to describe a classic work of art with enduring global fame.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 你知道中国有哪些**著名**的历史人物吗？
    * Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào Zhōngguó yǒu nǎxiē **zhùmíng** de lìshǐ rénwù ma?
    * English: Do you know which famous historical figures there are in China?
    * Analysis: A common question format. It asks about figures of great historical importance, making **著名** the perfect choice.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 这位**著名**的钢琴家下个月要来我们城市开音乐会。
    * Pinyin: Zhè wèi **zhùmíng** de gāngqínjiā xià ge yuè yào lái wǒmen chéngshì kāi yīnyuèhuì.
    * English: This renowned pianist is coming to our city for a concert next month.
    * Analysis: The term `位 (wèi)` is a measure word used for people that conveys respect, which pairs perfectly with the formal and respectful tone of **著名**.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 北京烤鸭是一道**著名**的菜。
    * Pinyin: Běijīng kǎoyā shì yī dào **zhùmíng** de cài.
    * English: Peking Duck is a famous dish.
    * Analysis: Even food can be **著名** if it has a deep cultural history and is internationally recognized as a culinary treasure.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 他的理论在学术界非常**著名**。
    * Pinyin: Tā de lǐlùn zài xuéshùjiè fēicháng **zhùmíng**.
    * English: His theory is very famous in the academic world.
    * Analysis: This highlights the use of **著名** in a specific, formal context (academia) to indicate widespread recognition and importance.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 这家公司是**著名**的手机制造商。
    * Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī shì **zhùmíng** de shǒujī zhìzàoshāng.
    * English: This company is a renowned mobile phone manufacturer.
    * Analysis: Used for a company, it implies a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation, not just recent market success.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 成为一名**著名**的演员是他从小的梦想。
    * Pinyin: Chéngwéi yī míng **zhùmíng** de yǎnyuán shì tā cóngxiǎo de mèngxiǎng.
    * English: Becoming a famous actor has been his dream since he was little.
    * Analysis: In this context, **著名** implies a desire to be a respected, acclaimed actor, not just a popular celebrity.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common mistake learners make is using **著名 (zhùmíng)** and **有名 (yǒumíng)** interchangeably.
  *   **著名 (zhùmíng) - Renowned, Eminent:**
    *   **Formality:** High.
    *   **Connotation:** Respect, admiration, lasting significance.
    *   **Use for:** Nobel laureates, historical figures, world wonders, classic novels.
    *   Example: 爱因斯坦是一位**著名**的科学家。(Einstein was a renowned scientist.)
  *   **有名 (yǒumíng) - Well-known, Popular:**
    *   **Formality:** Low (common in speech).
    *   **Connotation:** Neutral. Simply means many people know of it.
    *   **Use for:** A popular local restaurant, a new pop singer, an internet meme.
    *   Example: 我们家楼下的那家面馆很**有名**。(The noodle shop downstairs from my home is very well-known.)
**Incorrect Usage:**
  *   `这个网红很**著名**。` (This internet celebrity is very renowned.)
  *   **Why it's wrong:** Internet fame is often seen as new and fleeting. It lacks the weight and proven significance required for the word **著名**.
  *   **Correct Usage:** `这个网红很**有名**。` (This internet celebrity is very well-known/popular.)
Think of it this way: everything that is **著名** is also **有名**, but not everything that is **有名** is **著名**.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[有名]] (yǒumíng) - The most common synonym for "famous." It's more neutral and informal, meaning "well-known."
  * [[闻名]] (wénmíng) - A very formal synonym, literally "heard name." Often used in phrases like `闻名世界` (world-renowned).
  * [[出名]] (chūmíng) - A verb or adjective meaning "to become famous" or "to make a name for oneself." It focuses on the act of achieving fame and can sometimes be neutral or even negative (infamy).
  * [[知名]] (zhīmíng) - A formal synonym, literally "known name." It sits between **著名** and **有名** in formality. Common in media and business contexts, e.g., `知名人士` (well-known personage).
  * [[名人]] (míngrén) - A noun meaning "famous person" or "celebrity." This is the person who is **著名** or **有名**.
  * [[名牌]] (míngpái) - A noun meaning "(famous) brand name." A direct application of fame to commerce.
  * [[声誉]] (shēngyù) - A noun for "reputation" or "prestige." This is the quality that a **著名** person or institution possesses.